1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Citalopram

Citalopram after attempted suicide and panic attacks

Posted , 7 users are following.

Drizz
Drizz

Hi guys,

I'm 21 years old and have suffered really bad anxiety for the past year, especially when I smoked cannabis. It would bring on panic attacks instantly.

I stopped smoking last year due to this however the symptoms have only worsened. I split up with my partner a few months ago and have been feeling really depressed as well as anxious. I quit my job, never see any of my friends and barely leave the house anymore.

A couple days ago I musterd up the courage to see a few friends for a drink, I blacked out all night and I remember nothing except I tried to kill myself (later that night, not in front of them, so they don't know of my situation).

My mum did find out so she knows what I'm going through and phoned the Dr for me, and informed him of my condition. He wanted to see me in person so I went up (feeling like I wanted to run out of the room) and was prescribed 10mg Cit.

I'm planning on starting this 1x per day plan tomorrow but I am absolutely terrified of my condition getting worse. I've read it gets worse for about 4 weeks then gets better, however I don't think I'll be able to cope with the worse stage. I'm worried I get so scared in a panic attack that I do something stupid.

Would anybody reccomend taking something to counteract the panic attacks? Such as taking diazepam as well as the Citalopram? As I said I have no job to go to or anything like that so i don't care if I'm a braindead zombie for 4 weeks, I just am so fed up being scared, and being scared of the fear. The only time of the day I can relax is about midnight in bed, as I know I won't be disturbed.

Sorry for the huge post, I wanted to make sure I covered all the important topics in one go, if I think of anything else relevent i'll let whoever replies know.

I would appreciate any and all expierences/opinions, as I will be checking this thread very reguarly every day as I go through my treatment. It's nice to know I'm not alone, even though I have never felt more alone.

Thanks for reading.

0 likes, 38 replies

38 Replies

Prev
  • sarah54249
    sarah54249 Drizz

    Posted

    Oh and sorry about my super long posts, I tend to do that a lot lol.
  • Drizz
    Drizz

    Posted

    Feeling a bit better day by day.

    Still not been able to meet any of my friends as I'm far to anxious about having agoraphobia while I'm out.

    I did manage to pull myself out the house today and vote on Scottish independence though. I was sweating, weak legs in the polling station lol.

    At least I got my vote done!

  • anneporter
    anneporter Drizz

    Posted

    Great, drizz,you were able to make youself go out when you had the incentive. I have no doubt that you will be able to cope with gradually socialising a little when you are ready. You seem to know exactly what you are doing.. I guess exposure therapy is a bit like CBT. A little at a time.... Are you coping without diazepam?
    • Drizz
      Drizz anneporter

      Posted

      Yes I am getting by without diazepam. I don't really have any panic attacks while in my house just now. This is the 7th day so hopefully I am halfway to feeling positive effects from Cit.

      Exposure therapy for me, in my opinion anyway, will be the best for this situation. I'm super anxious about social situations, so surely, by constantly being in social situations will eventually train me that they are not something to worry about.

      There's a huge road to go still in my mind, I am really hopeful about gaining some benefical confidence from the cit after the next week and seeing how I can progress from there. This forum has been extremely helpful, having a sort of journal.

      I hope to look back one day on this thread and not understand how I could feel like this, that's a thought that keeps me moving forward as well as the members invaluable advice and conversation.

  • anneporter
    anneporter Drizz

    Posted

    that's great drizz.  And just do it very gradually, build up the time you spend socialising.  I am very anxious about socialising even tho I love company,always have been.  I am 63 now and find it easier, partly because i dont care what anyone thinks now - i wish i had discovered it doesnt matter years ago.  i am going to an art class on Mon and i know no one there, and its in an other town.  And I'm not even nervous.  I'm looking forward to it. hope you are having a good weekend. regards, Anne
  • anneporter
    anneporter Drizz

    Posted

    That is so good, Drizz, happy for you.  Hard work is paying off.  And when there are bad spells, you'll know they won't last. and thank you for sharing your experiences, both with medication and in how you cope on a daily basis.  Its helpful to know that others suffer the same symptoms and have the same problems coping, and its only when people are honest and open that we can all learn and become stronger and optimistic.  so thanks.x  
  • anneporter
    anneporter Drizz

    Posted

    thanks everyone for your posts.  This has been very helpful to me.  I have identified with a lot of what people have experienced, and have found coping methods useful, some new and some confirming what i already use. Good to share.
  • Drizz
    Drizz

    Posted

    Sorry I haven't been posting in a while, I seem to have relapsed in motivation and don't leave my room at all, I haven't even checked this thread.

    My sleeping pattern is completely messed up and I can bearly eat, I need to try getting out of the house again.

  • anneporter
    anneporter Drizz

    Posted

    Firstly drizz, you dont have to post! Its entirely up to you. Your not obliged to. Are you happy staying in your room? I may sound totally lacking in understanding how you feel. But sometimes I used to , and still do sometimes, have to shower and dress and just go out for a walk without even wanting to, just do it mechanically, til I got some feelimg back. Even just for a few minutes. How long since you have been out? Have you spoken to anyone. Your mum?
  • anneporter
    anneporter Drizz

    Posted

    could everyone on this discussion join me in sending good thoughts,vibes whatever to Drizz. 
  • ashleigh1992
    ashleigh1992 Drizz

    Posted

    Keep thinking positive. You've done well so far and everyone has bad days! They won't last forever. I've gone from not leaving the house to going out to the pub on a Friday night! Don't get me wrong in still anxious but not to the point where I let it control my life, some days i don't think about it at all.  It's like I'm my.old self. 

    Stay strong! 

  • anneporter
    anneporter Drizz

    Posted

    Drizz please speak to me, wondering how you are.x
Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.